Integrated bicycle rack and lock station

ABSTRACT

An integrated rack and lock station for a bicycle includes a front wheel well adapted to receive at least a portion of the front wheel of the bicycle and a lock bar assembly which can be extended to lock the rear wheel and frame of the bicycle to the station.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of pending U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 16/355,957 filed Mar. 18, 2019, and claims thepriority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application 62/671,384, filed May14, 2018, which are incorporated by reference in their entirety herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a device for securing bicycles.

2. Brief Description of the Prior Art

Bicycle security in urban space is recognized as a major issue in citiesthroughout the United States and is being addressed with Federal andState funding to reduce the incidence of bicycle theft. As urban areasare experiencing a resurgence in popularization by young professionals,traffic congestion has given rise to a growing number of bicyclecommuters. However, security of these bicycles has not advanced to meetthis growing demand. Current methods of securing a bicycle are outdatedand insufficient. The commonly accepted practice of bicycle safekeepingis performed by the rider supplying a personal bike lock used to securethe bike to an anchor point. This is typically a bicycle rack or otherstationary object. This bicycle lock must be carried by the bicyclist.However, bike theft has become increasingly more sophisticated and theonly counteraction has been the manufacture of personal bike locks thatare larger, heavier and more cumbersome to carry. Generally, commutersthat use their bicycle to travel to work go to the same destination eachday. There is a need for a bicycle securing device which providesmaximum security for a bicycle in public space without the need to carrypersonal bike locks.

Standard bicycle racks provide only a solid anchor point for which toattach a bike using a separate bike lock. In order to properly secure abicycle, one must now physically restrain the front wheel, rear wheeland bicycle frame. This is not achievable with standard U-Locks.Therefore, to effectively secure a personal bike, one must carry twolocks or a lock and a chain.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a bicycle lock station with a lockingmechanism which is integral to the bike rack. The lock station cansecure the three most vulnerable components of any bicycle with ease andefficiency, namely, the front wheel, the rear wheel, and the frame. Thisprovides the maximum security for a bicycle. The integrated bicycle rackand lock station of the present invention is capable of securing a widerange of sizes of bicycles. The bicycle lock station can optionallyincorporate anti-theft devices which include tamper resistance alarmsactivated when excessive force is applied to any component of the lockstation when the station is in a locked condition.

In a presently preferred embodiment the present invention provides anintegrated rack and lock station for a bicycle, the station comprising afront wheel well having an interior and adapted to receive and encloseat least a portion of the front wheel of the bicycle. The station alsopreferably includes a lock bar assembly moveably attached to the frontwheel well member, the lock bar assembly being moveable from a firstposition to a second position. Preferably, the lock bar assembly extendssubstantially within the front wheel well in the first position, andsubstantially over the bicycle in the second position. Preferably, thestation also includes means for securing the bicycle to the lock barassembly. Preferably, the lock bar assembly includes a pair of generallyparallel arms. Preferably, each of the arms has a first end and a secondend, the second end protruding from the front wheel well member when thelock bar assembly is in the second position. Preferably, the lock barassembly further includes a latch, the latch being moveable from a firstunlatched position to at least one second latched position, the latchextending from the second end of one of the arms, the latch beingextendable through the rear wheel of the bicycle when the lock barassembly is in the second position. Preferably, the integrated rack andlock station further includes at least one guide roller attached to thefront wheel well, the at least one guide roller supporting the lock barassembly. Preferably, the integrated rack and lock station furtherincludes at least two guide rollers attached to the front wheel well,the at least two guide rollers guiding the motion of the lock barassembly as the lock bar assembly is moved between the first positionand the second position. Preferably, the integrated rack and lockstation further includes a generally arc-shaped ratchet rack secured tothe interior of the front wheel well, the ratchet rack being generallyparallel to and spaced from one of the arms of the lock bar assembly.Preferably, the integrated rack and lock station further includes areleasable ratchet catch pivotably mounted on an end of an arm of thelock bar assembly and adapted for engagement with the ratchet rack, suchthat engagement of the ratchet catch with the ratchet rack preventsmotion of the lock bar assembly in a first direction from the firstposition to the second position but not in a second direction from thesecond position to the first position. Preferably, the integrated rackand lock station further includes a spring for urging the lock barassembly from the at least one second position to the first position.Preferably, the arms of the lock bar assembly are tubular, and thestation further includes a cable extending within a tubular arm betweenthe ratchet catch and the latch, the cable being adapted to release theratchet catch from the ratchet rack when the latch is in the openposition. Preferably, the latch is biased to close when in the openposition. Preferably, the latch is locked in the latched position by areleasable locking device. Preferably, the locking device is adapted tobe electronically released, via activation of a solenoid device.Preferably, the locking device is provided with a locked state in whichthe locking device can be electronically released, and a locked state inwhich the locking device can be manually released. Preferably, the stateof the locking device can be changed remotely. Preferably, the means forremotely controlling the state of the locking device is electrical.Preferably, the lock bar assembly is arc-shaped.

In another aspect, the present invention provides an integrated bicyclerack and lock station for receiving and locking a bicycle, the stationincluding a locking assembly rotatable between a stowed position and adeployed position. In this aspect, the locking assembly including afirst arm, a second arm, and a locking arm assembly. The locking armassembly is displaceable between an open position and a closed position,and includes a lock shaft and a latch pin. The first arm and second armeach include bearing means for rotating the first and second arms on thelock shaft, and the first and second arms each include a respectiveaperture for receiving the latch pin. In this aspect, the integratedbicycle rack and lock station includes a lock station base assemblyincluding a pivot assembly and locking mechanism for locking the lockingarm assembly in the closed position. Preferably, the integrated bicyclerack and lock station further includes a front wheel frame for securingthe front wheel of the bicycle. Preferably, the locking arm assembly inthis aspect of the present invention further includes a stow lock pinfor locking the locking assembly to the base when the locking armassembly is in the closed position. Preferably, the integrated bicyclerack and lock station in this aspect further includes a blocker barextending between the first arm and the second arm for preventingremoval of the front wheel of the bicycle when the locking arm assemblyis in the deployed position. Preferably, the lock shaft is engageable bythe locking mechanism to prevent displacement of the locking armassembly and thus locking assembly. Preferably, the lock shaft includesa groove and the locking mechanism includes a retractable pawl forengaging the groove to prevent displacement of the locking arm assembly.Preferably, in this aspect the integrated bicycle rack and lock stationfurther includes an upper pawl mounting bracket, a lower pawl mountingbracket, and at least one spring for biasing the pawl to engage thegroove in the lock shaft. Preferably, the locking mechanism furtherincludes a lock motor for retracting the pawl from the groove in thelock shaft for unlocking the lock shaft. In this aspect of the presentinvention, the front wheel frame includes a first pair of generallyparallel frame members and a second pair of generally parallel framemembers, the first pair and the second pair of frame members extendingupward from the base, for receiving the front wheel of a bicycle betweenthe first pair of frame members and between the second pair of framemembers. Preferably, the spacing between the first pair of generallyparallel frame members and second pair of generally parallel framemembers are less than the spacing of a 100 mm front wheel bicycle hub.Preferably, the pivot assembly includes at least one roller hub.Preferably, the lock station base assembly is modular. Preferably, inthis aspect of the invention, the integrated bicycle rack and lockstation further comprises means for opposing the gravitational forceapplied to the locking assembly when the locking assembly is rotatedbetween a stowed position and a deployed position. Preferably, the meansfor opposing the force is a spring, with a torsion spring beingespecially preferred.

Thus, in this aspect the front wheel frame and base correspond to afront wheel well having an interior and adapted to receive and encloseat least a portion of the front wheel of the bicycle, and the lockingarm assembly corresponds to the a lock bar assembly moveable from afirst or stowed position to a second or deployed position, and extendingsubstantially over the bicycle in the second position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of an integrated rackand lock station with the lock arm assembly in the fully retractedposition.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the integrated rack and lock stationwith the lock arm assembly in a fully extended position.

FIG. 3 is a rear elevational view of the lock station of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of the lock station of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a right side elevational view of the lock station of FIG. 1

FIG. 6 is right side elevational sectional view of the integrated rackand lock station of FIG. 1 taken along the line I-I of FIG. 3.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the integrated rack and lock station ofFIG. 1 shown with a bicycle approaching the station.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the integrated rack and lock station ofFIG. 7 shown with a bicycle approaching the station, the latch in theopen position with the lock arm assembly substantially retracted.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the integrated rack and lock station ofFIG. 7 shown with the bicycle's front wheel being positioned inside thestation, the latch in the open position with the lock arm assemblysubstantially retracted.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the integrated rack and lock station ofFIG. 7 shown with the bicycle's front wheel being positioned inside thestation, the latch in the open position with the lock arm assemblyextended over the bicycle.

FIG. 11 is a right side perspective view of the integrated rack and lockstation of FIG. 9 shown with the bicycle's front wheel being positionedinside the station, the latch in the closed position and extendingthrough the rear wheel and frame of the bicycle.

FIG. 12 is a fragmentary view of the integrated rack and lock station ofFIG. 1 shown from the left side and below with the lock bar in apartially extended position.

FIG. 13 is fragmentary sectional perspective view of the integrated rackand lock station of FIG. 1 showing the mounting of a guide rollerassembly.

FIG. 14 is a fragmentary side elevational sectional view of theintegrated rack and lock station of FIG. 1 with the lock bar assembly inthe fully extended position and the ratchet catch engaging the ratchetrack.

FIG. 15 is a fragmentary side elevational sectional view of theintegrated rack and lock station of FIG. 14 with the lock bar assemblyin a partially extended position and the ratchet catch partiallydisengaged from the ratchet rack.

FIG. 16 is a fragmentary side elevational sectional view of theintegrated rack and lock station of FIG. 14 with the lock bar assemblyin a partially extended position and the ratchet catch fully disengagedfrom the ratchet rack.

FIG. 17 is a fragmentary perspective sectional view of the integratedrack and lock station of FIG. 1 showing the ratchet catch.

FIG. 18 is a cutaway view of the integrated rack and lock station ofFIG. 17, showing the ratchet catch pivoting on the pin and attached to acable for operation of the ratchet catch against the ratchet rack.

FIG. 19 is a fragmentary elevational view of the bottom rear of the wellshowing the ratchet rack, the right arm of the lock bar assembly and aconstant force spring.

FIG. 20 is a sectional elevational view of the station of FIG. 1 shownwith the lock bar assembly 50 in the fully extended position.

FIG. 21 is a sectional elevational view of the station of FIG. 1 shownwith the lock bar assembly in a fully extended position securing abicycle in the station.

FIG. 22 is a fragmentary perspective view of the station of FIG. 1showing the constant force spring in a fully retracted position.

FIG. 23 is a fragmentary perspective view of the station of FIG. 1showing the constant force spring in an extended position.

FIG. 24 is a fragmentary sectional elevational view of the station ofFIG. 1 showing the constant force spring secured to the cross member ofthe lock bar assembly.

FIG. 25 is a fragmentary perspective view of the station of FIG. 1showing the constant force spring as seen from below.

FIG. 26 is a fragmentary perspective view of the outer end of the lockbar assembly 50 showing the latch in the open position.

FIG. 27 is a fragmentary perspective view of a first embodiment of theouter end of the lock bar assembly 50 showing the latch in the closedposition.

FIG. 28 is a fragmentary sectional view of the station of FIG. 1 showingthe latch in the open position with the lock bar assembly extendingbetween the fully open position and the fully closed position.

FIG. 29 is a fragmentary sectional view of the station of FIG. 1 showingthe lock bar assembly having been retracted toward the fully closedposition by the action of the constant force spring such that the sideplates 68 of the locking bar contact the upper panel of the front of thewell.

FIG. 30 is a fragmentary sectional view of the station of FIG. 1 showingthe latch partially rotated towards closure.

FIG. 31 is a fragmentary sectional view of the station of FIG. 1 showingthe latch fully closed and captured within the apertures in the upperpanel.

FIG. 32 is a fragmentary perspective view of the station of FIG. 1showing the keypad control.

FIG. 33 is a fragmentary plan sectional view of a front portion of thestation of FIG. 1 showing a bike locked in the station taken along theline II-II of FIG. 10

FIG. 34 is a fragmentary plan sectional view of a rear portion of thestation of FIG. 1 showing a bike locked in the station.

FIG. 35 is a fragmentary perspective sectional view of the station ofFIG. 1 showing a bike locked in the station taken along the line II-IIof FIG. 10.

FIG. 36 is a perspective view of a plurality of bike stations of thepresent invention arranged in a first modular pattern.

FIG. 37 is a plan view of the bike stations of FIG. 36.

FIG. 38 is a perspective view of a plurality of bike stations of thepresent invention arranged in a second modular pattern.

FIG. 39 is a plan view of the bike stations of FIG. 38.

FIG. 40 is a perspective view of a plurality of bike stations of thepresent invention arranged in a third modular pattern.

FIG. 41 is a plan view of the bike stations of FIG. 40.

FIG. 42 is a fragmentary perspective view of a second, presentlypreferred embodiment of a lock including a locking mechanism and locktongue according to the present invention showing the lock in anunlocked state.

FIG. 43 is a fragmentary perspective view of the lock of FIG. 42 showingthe lock in a locked state with the locking mechanism engaging a locktongue.

FIG. 44 is a side elevational sectional view of the lock of FIG. 43taken along the line III-III of FIG. 43.

FIG. 45 is a side elevational sectional view of the lock of FIG. 44shown with the lock being disengaged from the lock tongue to permit thelock tongue to be withdrawn from the locking mechanism.

FIG. 46 is a side elevational view of the lock of FIG. 45 with the locktongue having been withdrawn from the locking mechanism.

FIG. 47 is a perspective view of an integrated bicycle rack and lockstation according to a presently preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, showing the station in a stowed and locked position.

FIG. 48 is a perspective view of the integrated bicycle rack and lockstation of FIG. 47 showing the station in a deployed and lockedposition.

FIG. 49 is a perspective view of the integrated bicycle rack and lockstation of FIG. 47 showing the station in a stowed and unlockedposition, with a bicycle positioned in the station.

FIG. 50 is a perspective view of the integrated bicycle rack and lockstation of FIG. 47 showing the station in a deployed and unlockedposition, with a bicycle positioned in the station.

FIG. 51 is a perspective view of the integrated bicycle rack and lockstation of FIG. 47, showing the station in a deployed and lockedposition, with a bicycle positioned in and locked within the station.

FIG. 52 is a perspective view of a locking arm assembly of theintegrated bicycle rack and lock station of FIG. 47.

FIG. 53 is a fragmentary perspective view of the base frame, pivotmechanism assembly, locking mechanism, and locking arm assembly, of theintegrated rack and lock station of FIG. 47, showing the locking armassembly in a deployed and unlocked position.

FIG. 54 is an exploded perspective view of selected components of theintegrated rack and lock station of FIG. 47.

FIG. 55 is an enlarged, fragmentary perspective view of the integratedrack and lock station of FIG. 47, showing the locking mechanism.

FIG. 56 is a perspective view of a roller hub adapted for use in theintegrated rack and lock station of FIG. 47.

FIG. 57 is a side elevation view of the roller hub of FIG. 56.

FIG. 58 is a fragmentary perspective view of a portion of the pivotassembly showing placement of a torsion spring on the lock shaftadjacent the roller hub of FIG. 56.

FIG. 59 is a fragmentary elevation view of the portion of the pivotassembly of FIG. 58 showing the direction of rotation of the roller huband the free end of the torsion spring.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention provides a complete integrated bicycle lockingstation. The front wheel of the bicycle is received by a front wheelwell of the station. This protects the front wheel from theft by makingthe front wheel axle inaccessible so the front wheel cannot be removed.

The station includes a lock arm assembly which functions to secure auser's bicycle. When the lock arm assembly is in an extended position,it can be used to secure a bicycle.

A latch is provided at one end of the lock arm assembly to secure thebicycle rear wheel and frame to the station. The lock arm assemblyautomatically retracts from an extended position to assume a neutral,safe and locked position. This is accomplished by use of a constantforce spring. In this state, the station is in a locked down conditionand the latch cannot be opened or the lock arm assembly withdrawn fromthe front wheel well. Preferably, when a user is recognized by anappropriate key code entered into a keypad control or other means suchas RFID or Mobile App recognition, the user releases the latch and thencan extend the lock arm assembly. When the latch is in the openposition, the lock arm assembly can be withdrawn from the wheel well.The bicycle rider can thread the latch between the spokes of the rearwheel and close the latch to secure the bicycle. When the rider returns,he or she can enter the necessary code into the keypad control toactivate the lock mechanism to release the latch. At this point the lockbar assembly will automatically retract.

The present invention advantageously provides a bicycle security stationthat secures the three most stolen components to a bicycle: front wheel,rear wheel and bike frame. The station adapts and is adjustable for“most” styles and sizes of bicycles by having a lock arm assembly travelin the clearance space associated with where the bicyclist's legs occupywhile riding. The station simultaneously locks the rear wheel and frame.The station uses a latch that, when engaged in the locking position,captures the triangular frame structure that mounts the rear wheel. Thisis the means employed to secure the bicycle frame. The station utilizesa latch which captures the rear wheel and prevents the rear wheel frombeing separated from the frame. This is the means employed to secure therear wheel. The station protects the front wheel from theft by makingthe front axle inaccessible. A front wheel well prevents access to thefront wheel axle and therefore from removal of this axle from thebicycle forks. This is the means employed to secure the front wheel.Preferably, the front wheel well conceals and make inaccessible thefasteners that secure the frame of the well to the base.

Preferably, the station is formed from tough, vandal resistant materialssuch as steel or a suitable synthetic material.

The station includes a lock arm assembly which is a sliding member thatprojects out of the structural housing. Alternatively, the lock armassembly could rotate out on a common pivoting axis, or extend out in alinear fashion, or otherwise, as long as the assembly includesprojecting parallel locking arms. The lock arm assembly's trajectorytakes advantage of the necessary open space of the cyclist's legs whenriding. In the extended position the lock arm assembly with the latchpositioned through the rear wheel and engaged in the latch lock securesthe rear wheel and frame to the station.

The station preferably uses a ratchet mechanism including a ratchet rackand a ratchet catch to ensure that once the ratchet is engaged the lockarm assembly cannot be extended further. When the latch is opened, thelock arm assembly is freed because the ratchet catch is released fromthe ratchet rack. A cable extends through one of the arms of the lockbar assembly, which preferably includes a pair of hollow tubes, andlinks the pivoting latch with the ratchet catch. When the rider swingsthe latch to the open position, the motion is transmitted through thecable to the ratchet catch which pivots away from the ratchet rack andis released. The tube can have a square, round or other cross section.

Preferably, the latch cannot be released unless the rider has entered asuitable code into the keypad control or other means to activate asolenoid. When a proper code is entered, a voltage is applied to operatean electromagnetic solenoid which moves a locking cage internal to thelatch locking mechanism to free the latch for removal. Power for themechanism is preferably provided by wires extending through one of thetubes of the lock arm assembly.

The station preferably uses a constant force spring to provide aretracting force for the lock arm assembly. The constant force springcan be, for example, a coil spring, a torsion spring, an extensionspring, or gas shock/spring, to provide a spring-powered self-retractingfunction. Thus, the system automatically retracts the lock arm assemblywhen the lock arm is not engaged on a bicycle, and automatically assumesa neutral, safe state when a bicycle is not present. By retracting thelock arm assembly and securing this assembly in place, the stationassumes a neutral, safe, locked position when not in use, and providesfor public safety.

Preferably, the latch is biased to close when in an open position.

Preferably, the station uses hidden and/or inaccessible fasteners fordisassembly when a bicycle occupies the station.

Preferably, the station allows for as little as eleven inches center tocenter distance between two adjacent stations to permit high densitybicycle parking.

Preferably, the station is modular in nature, such that any number ofunits (stations) can be connected together.

Preferably, each single station is modular in nature, such that adjacentindividual lock stations can be orientated 180 degrees in relation toone another. Preferably, adjacent modular stations can exist atdifferent elevations and orientation angles to allow adjacently parkedbicycles' handlebars to avoid interference.

Preferably, the station utilizes a lithium ion battery that isrechargeable by solar technology to power each of theelectronic/electrical components of the station. Preferably, eachmodular station is provided with an independent battery pack and meter.

Preferably, the station is provided with an accelerometer which willactivate an audible alarm and lighted beacon for theft deterrence.

Referring now to the figures in which like reference numerals representlike elements in each of the several views, there is shown in FIG. 1 aperspective view of an embodiment of an integrated rack and lock station10 with a lock bar assembly 50 in a fully retracted position. The lockstation 10 includes a wheel well member 20 for receiving the front wheelof a bicycle (not shown). The well 20 includes an upstanding left side22 generally perpendicular to the bottom or base 28, and an upstandingright side 24 parallel to the left side 22 of the well 20. The sides 22,24 take the form of a truncated half circle or other circular arc. Inthe alternative, the sides can be any other shape which does notinterfere with the operation of the lock bar assembly 50. For example,different shapes can be selected for aesthetic reasons. The semicircularportions of the sides 22, 24 are covered with a well top 26. A keypadcontrol 100 is positioned at the front of the well 20 upon the top 26 ofthe well 20 or other location of the unit. The front 32 of the well 20is adapted to receive the front wheel of a bicycle in a front wheelaperture 40. On the front 32 of the well 20 are a right side panel 34and left side panel 36 which extend from the base 28 of the well 20almost the entire distance to the top 26 of the well 20 (best seen inthe front elevational view of FIG. 4), which together provide a frontwheel axle guard 42. Extending between the sides 22, 24 and the top 26and the side panels 34, 36 is an upper panel 38. Protruding from theupper panel 38 is the lock bar assembly 50 which functions to secure abicycle to the station by capturing the rear wheel and frame when thefront wheel of the bicycle is positioned in the front wheel aperture 40in the front 32 of the well 20. As best seen in FIG. 12, the arms 52, 54of the lock bar assembly protrude through conforming apertures formed inthe upper panel 38 of the front 32 of the well 20.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the integrated rack and lock station ofFIG. 1 shown with the lock bar assembly 50 shown in a fully extendedposition. The lock bar assembly 50 can be extended and locked in aseries of positions each extending further from the well 20 such thatthe station 10 can accommodate a great variety of bicycle frame sizesand configurations. The lock bar assembly 50 includes two generallyarc-shaped arms, namely a right arm 52 and a left arm 54. The right arm52 includes a first or outer end 56 and a second or inner end 58 (bestseen in the sectional side elevational view of FIG. 6). The left arm 54also includes a first or outer end 60 and a second or inner end 62. Theouter ends 56. 58 of the right and left arms 52, 54 are joined by alatch 70. The inner ends 58, 62 of the right and left arms 52, 54 arejoined by a cross member 64. The lock bar assembly 50 is suspended on apair of lock bar assembly guide rollers 80 mounted inside the well onthe underside of the top 26 of the well 20 (FIG. 6).

FIGS. 7-11 illustrate operation of the station 10. Initially, a bicycle200 is positioned in front of the station 10 and the rider (not shown)enters an appropriate code into the keypad control 100 (FIG. 7). Thecontrol 100 then sends an “unlock” command to the latch 70 so that therider can open the latch 70 as shown in FIG. 8. The rider can then pushthe front wheel of the bicycle 200 into the aperture 40 where the frontwheel is secured between the right side panel 34 and the left side panel36. The width of the aperture 40 is sized to prevent access to thelocking mechanism (e.g. quick release) holding the front wheel on thebicycle 200. The rider can now pull the lock bar assembly 50 out of thewell 20 until the outer ends 56, 60 of the right and left arms 52, 54are positioned on either side of the bicycle proximate the triangulararea conventionally formed by the bicycle frame at the rear of thebicycle (FIG. 10).

FIG. 12 is a fragmentary view of the integrated rack and lock station ofFIG. 1 shown from the left side and below with the lock bar assembly 50in a partially extended position. The guide rollers 80 each include aframe 82 including a top and parallel downwardly extending walls inwhich upper and lower guide roller spindles 84, 86 are mounted onanti-friction bearings 88. As can be seen in the fragmentary sectionalperspective view of FIG. 3, the right and left arms 52, 54 are tubularand have a square cross-section.

FIGS. 14-20 illustrate the operation of a locking mechanism for the lockbar assembly 50. Initially, when the lock bar assembly 50 is in thefully extended position, a ratchet catch 92 mounted at the inner end ofone of the arms 52, 54 (the right arm is shown in FIG. 14) engages oneof the teeth of the ratchet rack 90. The ratchet catch 92 is rotatablymounted on a pivot pin 94 and connected to the latch 70 at the outer endof the lock bar assembly 50 by suitable means, such as a cable or wire98, such that when the latch 70 is closed, the ratchet catch 92 is drawnagainst the ratchet rack 90 by a spring (not shown) against the ratchetcatch when the cable 98 relieves tension to this spring. When the latch70 is opened, the tension in the cable 98 forces the ratchet catchspring to extend and simultaneously disengages the ratchet catch fromthe ratchet rack and the lock bar assembly 50 can be retracted (orextended) relative to the well 20, as the ratchet catch 92 is free torotate away from the ratchet rack 90 (FIGS. 15, 16).

FIG. 17 is a fragmentary perspective view showing a portion of the innerend of the lock bar assembly 50 with the ratchet catch 92 protrudingthrough an aperture formed in the cross member 64 or the ratchet catch92 can be mounted outside the left arm 52 (not shown) and beyond crossbar 64. FIG. 18 is a cutaway view showing the ratchet catch 92 pivotingon the pin 94 and attached to a cable 98 for operation of the ratchetcatch 92 against the ratchet rack 90. FIG. 19 is a fragmentaryelevational view of the bottom rear of the well 20 showing the ratchetrack 90, the left arm 52 of the lock bar assembly 50 and a constantforce spring 96 for retracting the lock bar assembly 50 into the well 20when the latch 70 has been released.

FIG. 20 is a sectional elevational view of the station of FIG. 1 shownwith the lock bar assembly 50 in the fully extended position. Theconstant force spring 96 extends from the base 28 at the rear of thewell 20 to the cross member 64 of the lock bar assembly 50. FIG. 21reproduces the view of FIG. 20 but in addition depicts a bicycle securedin the station 10.

FIG. 22 is a fragmentary perspective view of the station of FIG. 1showing the constant force spring in a fully retracted position. FIG. 23is a fragmentary perspective view of the station of FIG. 1 showing theconstant force spring 96 in an extended position. FIG. 24 is afragmentary sectional elevational view of the station of FIG. 1 showingthe constant force spring 96 secured to the cross member 64 of the lockbar assembly 50. FIG. 25 is a fragmentary perspective view of thestation of FIG. 1 showing the constant force spring 96 as seen frombelow showing the attachment of the upper end of the constant forcespring 96 to the frame 82 of the rear guide roller 80.

FIG. 26 is a fragmentary perspective view of the outer end of the lockbar assembly 50 showing the latch 70 in the open position. The latch 70includes a locking bar 66 mounted in between a pair of side plates 68extending perpendicularly from one end of the locking bar 66. A latchpivot pin 78 extends through one end of each of the side plates 68 andthe right arm 52 of the lock bar assembly 50 to rotatably mount thelatch 70 to the right arm 52. At the other end of the locking bar 66 alocking tongue 76 extends inwardly such that when the latch 70 isrotated on the pivot pin 78 to close the latch 70 (FIG. 27), the latchloop pin 76 protrudes into the outer end 60 of the left arm 54 of thelock arm assembly 50 where it is captured by a locking mechanism (notshown). The locking mechanism can be activated to release the latch looppin 76 by activation of the solenoid (not shown) provided in the leftarm 54 proximate the outer end 60 of the left arm 54. However, the latchloop pin cannot be removed from the lock device until the solenoid (notshown) is energized and moves the lock cage (not shown) by a userentering the proper code into the keypad control 100. The activation ofthe solenoid and release of the latch loop pin can include a remoteactuation. The lock solenoid can be electrically connected to the keypadcontrol 100 by, for example, an electrical conduit running through theleft arm 54 of the lock bar assembly 50, by a wireless connection, orthe like.

FIGS. 28-31 illustrate a self-locking feature of the latch 70. FIG. 28is a fragmentary sectional view of the station of FIG. 1 showing thelatch 70 in the open position with the lock bar assembly 50 extendingbetween the fully open position and the fully closed position. FIG. 29is a fragmentary sectional view of the station of FIG. 1 showing thelock bar assembly 50 having been retracted toward the fully closedposition by the action of the constant force spring 96 such that theside plates 68 of the locking bar 66 contact the upper panel 38 of thefront 32 of the well 20. The latch 70 is biased to close when in an openposition. Two springs are provided to drive this action. One spring isattached to the ratchet catch prime mover (not shown). The second springis a torsion spring mounted on the latch pivot pin 78 such that thetorsion spring is torqued when the latch 70 is opened and thus exert aforce urging the latch 70 to close. Shown in FIG. 30 is a fragmentarysectional view of the station of FIG. 1 showing the latch 70 partiallyrotated towards closure. FIG. 31 is a fragmentary sectional view of thestation 10 of FIG. 1 showing the latch 70 fully closed and capturedwithin the apertures in the upper panel 38.

FIG. 32 is a fragmentary perspective view of the station 10 of FIG. 1showing the keypad control 100.

FIG. 33 is a fragmentary plan sectional view from the top of a rearportion of the station 10 of FIG. 1 showing a bike 200 locked in thestation 10.

FIG. 34 is a fragmentary plan sectional view of a front portion station10 of FIG. 1 showing a bike 200 locked in the station 10.

FIG. 35 is a perspective sectional view of the station 10 of FIG. 1showing a bike 200 locked in the station 10.

FIG. 36 is a perspective view of a plurality of bike stations 10 of thepresent invention arranged in a first modular pattern. Since theindividual stations are modular in nature, any assembly and orientationof station arrangements can be designed

FIG. 37 is a plan view of the bike stations 10 of FIG. 36.

FIG. 38 is a perspective view of a plurality of bike stations 10 of thepresent invention arranged in a second modular pattern. The stations arenested together to minimize the overall footprint.

FIG. 39 is a plan view of the bike stations 10 of FIG. 38.

FIG. 40 is a perspective view of a plurality of bike stations 10 of thepresent invention arranged in a third modular pattern.

FIG. 41 is a plan view of the bike stations 10 of FIG. 40.

FIG. 42 is a fragmentary perspective view of a presently preferredembodiment of a lock 300 including a locking mechanism 302 and locktongue 304 according to the present invention showing the lock 300 in anunlocked state. The locking mechanism 302 is installed in the outer end60 of the left arm 54 of the lock bar assembly 50 (not shown) while thelock tongue 304 is secured in and to the free end of the latch 70. Thelock 300 is an alternative to the embodiment employing a latch loop pin76, push button latch release 72 et. al. described above. The lockingmechanism 300 includes a solenoid 306 which is remotely activated torelease the lock tongue 304 from the locking mechanism 302. The lockingmechanism 302 also includes a lock cage 308, lock bearings 310, a lockspring 312 and a lock pawl 314. The lock spring 312 urges the lock cage308 forward away from the solenoid 306 until the forward edge of thelock cage 308 is captured by the lock pawl 314. The lock cage 308 movesin a rearward direction from a first position to a second positionagainst the force of the lock spring 312 when the solenoid 306 isactivated. In operation, when the lock tongue 304 is inserted in thelocking mechanism 302, the lock tongue 304 pushes back the lock pawl 314to release the lock cage 308 which is urged forward by lock spring 312.The lock cage 308 in turn urges the lock bearings 310 against the locktongue 304 which includes lock tongue grooves 316 on the upper and lowersurfaces of the generally planar lock tongue 304 for receiving the lockbearings 310 thereby engaging and securing the lock tongue 304 in thelock mechanism 302 (FIGS. 43 and 44) in a locked state. To unlock, thesolenoid 306 is activated such that the lock cage 308 is pulled backwardagainst the force of the lock spring 312, thereby releasing the lockbearing 310 (FIG. 45) and thus permitting the lock tongue 304 to bewithdrawn from the lock mechanism 302 (FIG. 46).

In another set of embodiments, the present invention provides anintegrated bicycle rack and lock station 510 for receiving and locking abicycle, which is shown in the perspective view of FIG. 47 in a stowedposition and locked position.

The station 510 includes a locking assembly 600 rotatable between thestowed position, as can be seen in the perspective view of FIG. 47, anda deployed position, shown in the perspective view of FIG. 48, showingthe station 510 in a deployed and locked position.

The locking assembly 600 including a first arm 602, a second arm 604,and a locking arm assembly 610. The first arm 602 and second arm 604 arepreferably arched (or otherwise formed) to avoid contact with the pedalsof a bicycle to be locked in the station 510.

The locking arm assembly 610 is linearly displaceable between a closedand locked position shown in FIG. 47 and an open or unlocked positionshown in FIG. 48. When unlocking the locking arm assembly 610, a userpulls the locking arm assembly 610 out from the side of the station 510along the axis of rotation of the locking assembly 600. The station 510is constructed such that the station 510 can be assembled in situ suchthat the locking arm assembly 610 can be mounted on either the left sideof the station 510 as shown or the right side of the station 510 (notshown).

The locking arm assembly 610 (FIG. 52) includes a third or locking arm612, and a lock shaft 614 secured to a first end the locking arm 612,and about which the locking assembly 600 rotates. In addition, a latchpin 618 is secured to the other or second end of the locking arm 612oriented in the same direction as the lock shaft 614. The latch pin 618is used to secure the rear wheel and frame of the bicycle to theintegrated bicycle rack and lock station 510. In addition, the lockingarm assembly 610 also includes a stow lock pin 616 extending from thelocking arm 612 in the same direction as the lock shaft 614 and thelatch pin 618. The stow lock pin 616 is located on the lock arm 612 suchthat that the stow lock pin 616 will engage an aperture 554 (FIG. 53)provided in the base frame 530 when the station 510 is stowed andlocked.

The first arm 602 and second arm 604 each include bearing means forrotating the first and second arms 602, 604 with the lock shaft 614, andthe latch pin 618 is passes through an aperture in the first arm 602,while the second arm 604 includes a respective aperture for receivingthe latch pin 618 when the locking arm assembly 610 is in the closedposition.

The lock shaft 614 includes a groove 622 positioned on the lock shaft614 (FIG. 52) to be engageable by a lock pawl 576 (FIG. 54) when thelocking arm assembly 610 is in the closed position. In the engaged orlocked position, the lock pawl 576 engages the groove 622 on the lockshaft 614 such that the locking arm assembly 610 cannot be displaced.

The stow lock pin 616 of the locking arm assembly 610 engages a stowlock pin receiver 554 located on a pivot mechanism assembly 560 (bestseen in FIG. 53) for locking the locking assembly 600 in the stowedposition. A pair of stow lock pin receivers 554 are provided permittingthe station 510 to be assembled such that the locking assembly 600extends either from the left side of the station 510 (as the userperceives the left side), as illustrated, or from the right side of thestation (not shown).

In operation, a user first unlocks the station 510, by operating alocking mechanism 570 (FIG. 53) to disengage the lock pawl 576 from thegroove 622. A wave spring 720 is provided on the lock shaft 614 to pushthe lock shaft 614 and thus the groove 622 out of alignment with thelock pawl 576. The locking mechanism 570 can be actuated remotelythrough a wired or wireless connection, or mechanically, such as by akey. The lock shaft 614 can then be moved by the user from a firstposition as shown in FIG. 47 to a second position shown in FIG. 49 bypulling the locking arm assembly 610 outwardly along the axis ofrotation of the lock shaft 614.

The user's bicycle can then be positioned in the station 510, as thelatch pin 618, which in the initial position extends between the firstarm 602 and the second arm 604, now extends outwardly from the secondarm 604, thus permitting the user to position the bicycle between thefirst arm 602 and the second arm 604.

In order to lock the bicycle to the station 510, the user then firstrotates the locking assembly 600 from the stowed position (FIG. 47) andthe deployed position, such as shown in FIG. 50. Locking is accomplishedby pushing the locking arm assembly 610 inward through the rear wheeland frame of the bicycle until the latch pin 618 is received by andextends into an aperture 632 formed in the outward or distal end of thesecond arm 604 as shown in FIG. 51. At the same time, the lock pawl 576,which is biased by springs 574 (FIG. 55) against the lock shaft 614,engages the groove 622 formed on the lock shaft 614, and the bicycle isthus locked in the station 510.

To remove the locked bicycle from the station 510, the sequence isreversed. First, the user unlocks the locking mechanism 570 to disengagethe lock pawl 576 from the groove 622 in the lock shaft 614. The user isthen able to pull the locking arm assembly 610 outward such that thelatch pin 618 is withdrawn from between the rear wheel and the frame ofthe bicycle. The user then can rotate the locking assembly 610 from thedeployed position to the stowed position, and remove the bicycle fromthe station 510. Optionally, a means of a zero-gravity spring such as atorsion spring Fig. TBD will be provided for opposing the gravitationalforce applied to the locking assembly 600 when the locking assembly 600is rotated between a stowed position and a deployed position. This canbe a spring such as a torsion or a gas piston, in order to assist theuser in closing the locking assembly 610. The user can then push thelocking arm assembly back until the lock pawl 576 engages the groove 622on the lock shaft 614.

The station 510 further includes a blocker bar 620 extending between thefirst arm 602 and the second arm 604 for preventing removal of the frontwheel of the bicycle when the locking arm assembly 610 is in the closed(or deployed) position. The blocker bar 620 rigidly connects first arm602 and the second arm 604 such that the first arm 602 and the secondarm 604 are constrained to rotate as one about the bearing journals,712, 714 mounted to side wall brackets 704, 706, respectively.Similarly, the third or lock arm 616 is constrained to rotate with thefirst arm 602 and the second arm 604, as the latch pin 618 extends intorespective apertures formed in the first arm 602 when the locking armassembly is in the open position, and pass through an aperture formed inthe distal end of the second arm, when the locking arm assembly 610 isin the closed position.

The moving parts of the station 510, namely, the pivot mechanismassembly 560, are preferably provided in a modular form to simplifymaintenance and repair of the station 510, such that they can be removedas a unit from the station 510, repaired or maintained at a remotelocation, and subsequently reinstalled in the station 510.

FIG. 53 is a perspective fragmentary view of the station 510 depictingfor clarity only the base frame 530, the pivot mechanism assembly 560and locking mechanism 570 and the locking arm assembly 610. As can beseen in the exploded perspective view of FIG. 54, the pivot mechanismassembly 560 includes a generally “U”-shaped bearing bracket 700including a bottom wall 702 and a pair of spaced, upstanding parallelside walls 704, 706 in which are formed a pair of bearing apertures 708,710 into which a pair of bearing journals 712, 714 are connected to bymeans of anti-rotation nipples and firmly held by the connection of theblocker bar 620. These bearing apertures provide a common axis forreceiving the lock shaft 614 of the locking arm assembly 610 (FIG. 54).The latch pin 618 is secured to the lock arm 612 by a tamper-resistantfastener 590 or the like to deter theft, as is the blocker bar 620 andlock shaft 614 and stow lock pin 616. Thus, all pins attached to thelock arm 612 are secured with anti-theft fasteners. The first or leftarm 602 has a proximate aperture 630 formed at one end for mounting adust-resistant linear sleeve bearing 584. The second arm 604 has rollerhub 586, connected concentrically to the aperture in the second 604through which the lock shaft 614 passes. When the station 510 isassembled, the lock shaft 614 is received and passes through the linearsleeve bearing 584 and roller hub 586 such that the locking arm assembly610 can be easily passed through the linear sleeve bearing 584 androller hub 586 when the locking arm assembly 610 is either pulled out orpushed into the pivot mechanism assembly 560. A wave spring 720 ismounted on the lock shaft 614 between the first arm 602 and the linearsleeve bearing 584 for the purpose of biasing the locking arm assembly610 outward away from engagement with the lock pawl 576.

FIG. 56 is a perspective view of a roller hub 586 adapted for use in theintegrated rack and lock station of FIG. 47. The roller hub 586advantageously enhances the operation of the station 510 by reducingbinding of the lock shaft 614 when the locking arm assembly 610 iseither pulled out or pushed into the pivot mechanism assembly 560.

FIG. 58 is a fragmentary perspective view of the pivot mechanismassembly 560 showing a torsion spring 790 positioned over the lock shaft614 adjacent the roller hub 586. The torsion spring 790 is engaged inthe direction of deployment. A block 792 is bolted to the outer face ofthe roller hub 586 (FIG. 59). The torsion spring 790 has a fixed(outboard) leg 794 and a free (inboard) leg 796 that is flush with theroller hub face. When the roller hub 586 (and therefore the locking armassembly 610) reaches top dead center, the free leg 796 contacts theblock 792 mounted to the roller hub 586. When this happens the torsionspring 790 will engage, and further rotation of the lock arm assembly610 will create an opposing force to the force due to gravity acting onthe lock arm assembly 610.

A lock station base assembly 520 includes a lock station base frame 530to which is secured a bearing bracket 700 for receiving the lock shaft614 and locking assembly 600 for locking the locking arm assembly 610 inthe closed position.

In this embodiment, the integrated bicycle rack and lock station 510also includes a front wheel frame or well 540 for securing the frontwheel of the bicycle. The front wheel frame 540 includes a first pair ofgenerally parallel frame members 542 and a second pair of generallyparallel frame members 544. The first pair and the second pair of framemembers 542, 544 extend upward from the base frame 530, for receivingthe front wheel of a bicycle between the first pair of frame members 542and between the second pair of frame members 544. Preferably, in oneaspect the spacing between the first pair of generally parallel framemembers 542 and the second pair of generally parallel frame members 544is less than the spacing of a 100 mm front wheel bicycle hub.

The station 510 employs a locking mechanism 570, best seen in thefragmentary perspective view of FIG. 55. A lock pawl assembly 572includes a lock pawl 576 which is pivotably mounted between an upperpawl mounting bracket 578 and a lower pawl mounting bracket 580, andbiased by a pair of springs to engage the groove 622 in the lock shaft614. When remotely or locally actuated, a lock motor 592 retracts thelock pawl 576 from engagement with the groove 622, so that the lockingarm assembly 610 can be pulled out of the stand 510 by a user.

Lockable access to the locking mechanism 570 will allow for manualdisengagement of the lock paw 576 from the lock shaft 614.

Adjacent stations of the present invention can be joined, opposite hand,to form a single installation. Similarly, adjacent stations can bepositioned at differing elevations to minimize handle bar conflict. Inaddition, the lock mechanism of any of the embodiments of the stationsof the present invention can be locked remotely using either a keypad ormobile app with blue tooth technology, or the like. Further, thestations of the present invention can employ solar energy as a source ofpower for the stations.

Various modifications can be made in the details of the variousembodiments of the articles of the present invention, all within thescope and spirit of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. An integrated bicycle rack and lock stationfor receiving and locking a bicycle, the station including: a lockingassembly rotatable between a stowed position and a deployed position;the locking assembly including a first arm, a second arm, and a lockingarm assembly; the locking arm assembly being displaceable between anopen position and a closed position; the locking arm assembly includinga lock shaft and a latch pin; the first arm and second arm eachincluding bearing means for rotating the first and second arms on thelock shaft, and the first and second arms each including a respectiveaperture for receiving the latch pin; a lock station base assemblyincluding a pivot assembly and locking mechanism for locking the lockingarm assembly in the closed position.
 2. The integrated bicycle rack andlock station according to claim 1 further including a front wheel framefor securing the front wheel of the bicycle.
 3. The integrated bicyclerack and lock station according to claim 1 wherein the locking armassembly further includes a stow lock pin for locking the lockingassembly to a base when the locking arm assembly is in the closedposition.
 4. The integrated bicycle rack and lock station according toclaim 1 further including a blocker bar extending between the first armand the second arm for preventing removal of the front wheel of thebicycle when the locking assembly is in the closed position.
 5. Theintegrated bicycle rack and lock station according to claim 1 whereinthe lock shaft is engageable by the locking mechanism to preventdisplacement of the locking arm assembly and thus locking assembly. 6.The integrated bicycle rack and lock station according to claim 5wherein the lock shaft includes a groove and the locking mechanismincludes a retractable pawl for engaging the groove to preventdisplacement of the locking arm assembly.
 7. The integrated bicycle rackand lock station according to claim 6 further including an upper pawlmounting bracket, a lower pawl mounting bracket, and at least one springfor biasing the pawl to engage the groove in the lock shaft.
 8. Theintegrated bicycle rack and lock station according to claim 7 whereinthe locking mechanism further includes a lock motor for retracting thepawl from the groove in the lock shaft for unlocking the lock shaft. 9.The integrated bicycle rack and lock station according to claim 2wherein the front wheel frame includes a first pair of generallyparallel frame members and a second pair of generally parallel framemembers, the first pair and the second pair of frame members extendingupward from the base, for receiving the front wheel of a bicycle betweenthe first pair of frame members and between the second pair of framemembers.
 10. The integrated bicycle rack and lock station according toclaim 9 wherein the spacing between the first pair of generally parallelframe members and second pair of generally parallel frame members areless than the spacing of a 100 mm front wheel bicycle hub.
 11. Theintegrated bicycle rack and lock station according to claim 1 whereinthe pivot assembly includes at least one roller hub.
 12. The integratedbicycle rack and lock station according to claim 1 wherein the lockstation base assembly is modular.
 13. The integrated bicycle rack andlock station according to claim 1 further comprising means for opposingthe gravitational force applied to the locking assembly when the lockingassembly is rotated between the stowed position and the deployedposition.
 14. The integrated bicycle rack and lock station according toclaim 13 wherein the means for opposing the gravitational force is aspring.
 15. The integrated bicycle rack and lock station according toclaim 13 wherein the means for opposing the gravitational force is atorsion spring.